Emilien on Rich Rod: "I love coach Rod"

Submitted by ryngonzalez on

Emilien talked to Angelique of the Detroit News about his transfer:

Emilien: "I feel I wasn't given the opportunity to showcase what I can do ... just need a brand-new start."

His UConn snaps were a factor:

Emilien met 90 min with Rodriguez Tuesday. Said he leaves on good terms.Was in on 2 plays end of UConn game — that was a factor.

But he leaves on good terms with Coach Rod:

Emilien on Rich Rod: "I love coach Rod as a head coach and a person, too. I hope it goes well for him, and I hope we win on Saturday."

Link? Link. And some more.

I sincerely hope he succeeds, wherever he ends up going. Good luck to 'em.

MGoBoard
Football; Rich Rodriguez; Michigan

Maximinus Thrax

September 9th, 2010 at 2:38 PM ^

Vlad obviously knows how to handle his business like a man.  No venomous shots like Boren, or ambiguous silence like certain other people who have transferred.  He just accepts that it is in his best interest to leave, he states the reason, and expresses his appreciation for the opportunity to play here.  It would be hard to be mad at this guy for leaving.

Joined: 10/26/2008

MGoPoints: 5177

Blazefire

September 9th, 2010 at 2:41 PM ^

a Michigan Wolverine, and he knows it. He also wants to play, and isn't going to have much of a chance here. He knows that's nobody's fault, and isn't going to be a jerk about it. If you transfer RIGHT now, Vlad, you can play next year!

Joined: 04/17/2009

MGoPoints: 25038

Mgobowl

September 9th, 2010 at 3:47 PM ^

and correct me if I'm wrong, but since he played two downs, that burns his eligibility for the year. It was only two plays, but in the eyes of the NCAA he has played this season at Michigan and will need to sit out next season where ever it is he transfers to.

Joined: 05/20/2009

MGoPoints: 1661

Edward Khil

September 9th, 2010 at 7:52 PM ^

If that's the case, Michigan should bump its first day of school back a few more days.  It's already after Labor Day.  Those schools have a real advantage, having all the last-minute dissatisfied's funneled their way...

Joined: 03/06/2010

MGoPoints: 1077

Rasmus

September 9th, 2010 at 8:20 PM ^

The schools he mentioned to TomVH are all very good academic schools.

  • He's too late for Virginia, unless he has already enrolled.
  • Duke drop/add period ends the 10th. Seems unlikely -- admission there is not automatic.
  • BC drop/add ends the 15th. Not quite as good (academics) as the others, but it's in Boston (Harvard, MIT, Tufts, BU, etc.), so there's that.
  • UCLA doesn't start until the 23rd.
  • Classes at Oregon begin the 27th.

Joined: 07/02/2009

MGoPoints: 2412

TheOracle6

September 9th, 2010 at 2:44 PM ^

Where ever you end up Vlad you have represented the University of Michigan with dignity and class.  Hopefully you get the opportunity to showcase your skill set at another school.  Good luck with everything Vlad, you will be missed.

Joined: 09/02/2010

MGoPoints: 1636

bleedzblue

September 9th, 2010 at 2:47 PM ^

All he wants is a chance to play and it became clear to him that it was not going to happen for him here. Where ever you end up Vlad I hope you get that playing time your looking for to showcase your skills. I promise we won't give your nickname to anyone else.

Joined: 09/03/2009

MGoPoints: 1513

pdgoblue25

September 9th, 2010 at 3:09 PM ^

And I mean that sincerely.  However, instead of hoping we win Saturday, you could have helped your team win by competing hard on the practice field.  Just wish things could have worked out, hope wherever you go gives you the opportunity to prove everyone wrong about your knee.

Joined: 03/03/2010

MGoPoints: 18950

briangoblue

September 9th, 2010 at 5:09 PM ^

How is a 3-3-5 different for safeties than any other defense? Don't they tackle, play zone and man coverage, and occasionally blitz in all defenses? Don't let negative recruiting cliches get in the way of the facts- Vlad could see the writing on the wall- Cam Gordon is the king at free safety for the forseeable future. I'm glad he handled it in a classy way, but I wish guys would stick with it and wait for a chance to succeed. At this rate Lou Gehrig would've asked to be traded from the Yankees before Wally Pipp got hurt.

Joined: 08/03/2009

MGoPoints: 5160

UMMAN83

September 9th, 2010 at 3:25 PM ^

competition at great programs, worked hard, and waited for their opportunity.  There was a time not so long ago that not too many Freshman or Sophs ever saw the field.  They developed their game, supported the team and, if good enough, saw the field as upper classmen.  They became the leaders of the team ... and the cycle continued.  I don't get it with Vlad or some other transfers.

Wish him the best but I think plenty of PT would be coming his way at some point.  Go Blue!!!

Joined: 11/26/2009

MGoPoints: 1491

West Texas Blue

September 9th, 2010 at 3:36 PM ^

Emilien: "I feel I wasn't given the opportunity to showcase what I can do ... just need a brand-new start."

Um, we played him in spring game quite a bit, and he got out run by Roy Roundtree, who isn't exactly a burner.  In a big game against UConn, the coaches sure as hell weren't going to take any chances and had to chose the D lineup very carefully.  Cam did solid for his first start and didn't allow any big plays. 

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 1845

NateVolk

September 9th, 2010 at 3:39 PM ^

I wish him well. The fact is: the way Rich does things isn't for everyone.  He demands a high level of effort on and off the field and you must relish competing.

Can someone clarify for me how this all works scholarship wise?  Do we get the Turner and Vlad scholarships back for use toward 2011 and future classes?

Joined: 07/19/2010

MGoPoints: 6863

bleedzblue

September 9th, 2010 at 4:50 PM ^

Yes, those two leaving will free up two extra scholarships for next year. It sucks our players our leaving, but it also could be good in a way that it gives us a chance to recruit more talent at those positions, even though Turner and Vlad were both highly rated recruits to begin with.

Joined: 09/03/2009

MGoPoints: 1513

NateVolk

September 9th, 2010 at 7:27 PM ^

Bleedz,

When this happens like it has since 08, I get this negative vibe that kids don't want to compete and work like they used to. 

My take is we are establishing a program culture over the long term and we shouldn't cut corners for anyone. 

Do you think I am wrong?

Joined: 07/19/2010

MGoPoints: 6863

bleedzblue

September 9th, 2010 at 10:19 PM ^

Coach Rod being a former walk-on himself will not tolerate anything less than all out effort and commitment. I was a huge fan of the RR hire and even though these last two years have been hell I see us coming out of the darkness. I just hope the man wins so he can finish what he has started to build. I would say I'm an even bigger RR supporter through all of this.

Joined: 09/03/2009

MGoPoints: 1513

Rasmus

September 10th, 2010 at 8:51 AM ^

It's a mistake to see that in Emilien. Turner, sure -- he apparently thinks Charles Woodson is great because of his physical gifts and not his dedication. He never learned that outstanding football players work hard to accomplish what they do.

Vlad was working hard and, apparently, is a good student. I obviously don't know what went on in those 90 minutes with Rich (Rich trying to persuade him to stay, Vlad criticizing Gibson, and Rich making calls to help Vlad transfer all come to mind as possibilities), but surely it began with a discussion of his capabilities --  my guess would be that someone (i.e., a true freshman) had leapfrogged him on the depth chart after Van Slyke's injury, and he was to stay at #3. That would explain his comment about not getting a chance to show what he can do (i.e., in games).

I think Vlad's departure actually shows an optimism on his part -- that he thinks he's never going to start means he doesn't see Michigan Football as a sinking ship. Indeed, just the opposite.

Joined: 07/02/2009

MGoPoints: 2412

Daytona Blue

September 9th, 2010 at 3:41 PM ^

Hate to see him go.  Really wish that some kids woud suck it up and try harder, impress coaches and earn their playing time.  Sometimes it takes a couple of years.  That being said I hated sitting on the bench as well.  Good luck Vlad, hope everything works out for you.

Joined: 04/02/2010

MGoPoints: 210

clarkiefromcanada

September 9th, 2010 at 10:10 PM ^

Sometimes players just don't work out; maybe Vlad will enjoy Duke (I hope for his desire of playing time that he chooses there)...I am unsure about UCLA but Oregon has some decent depth in the defensive backfield.

Class act Vlad; you'll be missed.

Joined: 11/20/2008

MGoPoints: 49242